Editor's Picks

Carlton skipper Brianna Davey expects to see a much higher standard of play when the second AFLW season kicks off.

Phillips was personally preparing for extra attention from opponents after her stunning feats last season; she was best afield in the grand final and won the league's best and fairest and the AFLW Players' MVP awards.

But the 32-year-old said she wouldn't be the only Crows player targeted by the opposition.

"I think targets are on everyone's back at the moment," she said.

"We are the reigning premiers and that is great but it starts back at the start line now.

"But I'm up for any challenge. If they put attention on one of us, there's other players that will get the job done."

Phillips said her recent decision to quit basketball -- a sport in which she won two WNBA titles, and an Olympic silver medal and world championship with Australia -- had paid instant dividends.

"It has been pretty unique for me because I haven't had basketball in the off-season," she said.

"So I got to spend a lot of time just working on aerobic fitness, which is something that is never easy, trying to transform from a basketball to a football.

"It has been nice to have some down time as well ... and time to freshen up."